Flamini: Arsenal better prepared for Bayern test

Monday 17 February 2014

Ahead of the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich, Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has said that his side are much improved from a year ago when they lost to the same opponents over two legs, writes ESPN.

Last season, Bayern won 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, and despite victory away from home Arsenal were unable to turn the tie around. The German club went on to become European champions and are 13 points clear of the Bundesliga this season, but Arsenal have also made progress.

Unlike last season, Arsenal are challenging for the title, having added Flamini and Mesut Ozil to their squad, and the Frenchman believes that the Gunners have a better chance of winning this tie than they did in 2013. He said: "I think it has been a more improved team effort this season.

"It's making all the difference. The players are putting in the necessary effort and everyone is fighting for each other. Arsenal this year know the difference between winning and losing, it is very fine. It's up to us to prove we have what it takes to win the title domestically. We are trying to stay focused now that we have the opportunity to win titles after so long."

"It will be an interesting game against Bayern," he added. "We know it is going to be a difficult game to play but we know that we have to beat these big teams if we want to progress.

"I remember when I was playing for Arsenal before and we reached the Champions League final against Barcelona [in 2006], we also faced big teams like Madrid and Juventus. If you want to win it, you must face all the big teams."

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